Embakasi Matatu With Lexus LX570 Front Grille Hits Roads

• El Subrosa, a matatu operating along the Embakasi- CBD route, hit the headlines with its pricey front grille
• The matatu hit the roads shortly after, and a tout along the route spoke to TUKO.co.ke about its return
• In other news, a woman impressed Kenyans by expertly driving a manual Ongata Rongai matatu

A Nairobi matatu that made headlines weeks ago due to its unique feature has hit the road.

Embakasi’s El Subrosa was spotted in the garage and sparked debate online. The investor of the matatu which underwent riko (refurbishment) spared no costs in making it stand out from the rest.

The vehicle first hit Nairobi streets two years ago and operated along the CBD-Embakasi route. After years on the road, the owner took it back to the garage for a much-needed makeover.

The photo depicted the purple matatu with eye-catching graffiti and bespoke offcut rims at the garage undergoing upgrades.

The driver's cabin featured two 32-inch TVs to entertain front-seat passengers. However, the showstopper was at the front.

El Subrosa featured the front grille of a Lexus LX570. According to listings on Alibaba, the grille costs around KSh 180,000 minus the shipping fee and taxes.

Numerous impressed Kenyans said it should be voted among the best-revamped matatus 2023.

El Subrosa finally hit Nairobi streets in December, and the grille was the talk of the streets.

Esdon Ochieng, a tout calling out passengers at the Pipeline stage, told TUKO.co.ke that the PSV had the best front grill on the route.

“The investor went all out, and you can see the results. Passengers and passers-by often recognise the Lexus grille.”

However, he admitted that El Subrosa would be challenged on the route due to tough competition.

“We have Neo, which was recently released and is arguably the hottest matatu on this route. We also have veterans like the much-loved Steampunk.”

How did woman drive manual matatu?

In other news, Matwana Matatu Culture captured the moment a female driver got behind the wheel of a matatu.

The woman expertly changed gears while driving through a congested CBD in Nairobi.

Many Kenyans praised her driving skills, while others noted she was a veteran matatu driver.